Raleigh Walker Laney

Raleigh Walker Laney, age 68, of Cheraw, SC, transitioned from his earthly body to eternal life in the early morning hours of November 7, 2020 after a brief illness. He was born on the first day of spring, March 20,1952, to Betty Neal Walker Laney and John Wilson Laney Jr. of Bennettsville, SC. Walker lived his life at full throttle and his love for his family, his two sons, and close friends was endless.

Walker loved the land. He spent most of his life as a farmer, following in his family’s footsteps growing cotton and other row crops. A licensed commercial pilot who loved flying, he, also worked as a crop duster and spent his later years as a farm manager/consultant and assistant engineer on the Southport Ferry. As with farming, he was equally at home on the water. He loved boating, fishing, and just cruising. He was a collector of vintage and sporty automobiles and had an affinity for anything with a motor. Walker loved his family and was an articulate and captivating storyteller who loved to reminisce about the past and family history. He graduated from Bennettsville High School and was a devoted follower of Clemson Football.

Walker was the perfect seasoning that enriched the lives of everyone who knew him in just the right way. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He is predeceased by his parents and his two greatest loves, his sons Aubrey Walker Laney and Jathan Raleigh Laney, his grandmothers Annie B. Laney and Lalla Ruth Weatherly Walker, grandfathers John Wilson Laney and Raleigh Washington Walker; and is survived by his loving wife Dolores S. Laney, brother John W Laney III (Sheron), nephews John W. Laney IV (Deborah) and Frederick Christopher Laney (Stacey), and great nieces and nephews Grace, Elizabeth, Nalya, Ayianna, Thaddeus and John Wilson Laney V.

Due to Covid-19, the family will hold a private service with interment at McCall Cemetery in Bennettsville, SC. In memorial, donations may be made to The McArn Food Bank in Cheraw, SC, The First United Methodist Church of Cheraw or the charity or organization of your choice in his name.

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